Grammar is central to language description and a "posteriori" construct validation of language tests consistently identifies grammar as a significant factor in differentiating between score levels and characterizing overall proficiency. However, there is currently no model of grammatical competence robust enough to be operationalized in tests.…

This article reports the first results of a long-term research project focusing on the detection and possible linguistic causes of differential item functioning (DIF) for second generation immigrant students in the Final Test of Primary Education in the Netherlands. The main aim of the project is to provide test constructors with information which…